Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

A wedding isn't just about the bride and groom. On your special day, you should be surrounded by everyone you love, and that includes your dog. As you plan your wedding, think about how your dog can participate in a way that is compatible with his training and temperament. Here are some tips to help your dog enjoy your wedding.

Check With the Venue and Vendors

If you are working with a wedding planner or coordinator of some kind, he or she should know right away that you intend to involve your dog in your plans for your wedding. If you are not working with a planner, you should talk to the venue and find out if dogs are permitted there. If the ceremony is taking place at a house of worship, you may not be able to bring your dog at all. An event venue may be more accommodating, but don't make any assumptions and be sure to ask well before bringing your dog there.

If the venue allows it, all your other vendors, including the caterer, DJ, florist, and photographer should be informed of your intention to include the dog in your wedding. They may have to make accommodations for your dog, so they should know about your plans early on so they have plenty of time to adjust.

Choose a Role That Fits Your Dog's Temperament

If your dog loves attention, she can walk down the aisle and stay by your side at the altar during the ceremony. If your dog is well behaved but more reserved, she might appreciate a less central role observing from the front row, perhaps a little off to one side. If your dog cannot be trusted around people, she shouldn't be present at the venue at all. In that case, there are still ways to involve your dog in your wedding, such as including her in your portraits or using dog-themed accessories at the reception.

At least as important as your dog's personality is his obedience and training. If your dog complies consistently with commands intended to control him, he is probably fine to attend the ceremony. However, if he gets anxious around strangers or crowds, don't put him in a situation that will cause him undue distress.

Designate a Handler

As a dog owner, supervising your dog is part of your responsibility. However, on your wedding day, you have more pressing concerns than watching your dog every minute. For this reason, you should choose a handler to watch over your dog and keep her out of trouble. This person should have experience around dogs and be someone she trusts and will listen to. The handler should have control of the dog whenever you are otherwise occupied and keep her on a leash at all times.

Dress up Your Dog

Part of the fun of a wedding is dressing up in fancy clothes, and your dog shouldn't be left out. If you already know that your dog is comfortable wearing clothes, a little frilly dress or dog tuxedo is perfect. You don't have to coordinate your dog's outfit with your wedding colors, but if you can, so much the better!

Of course, not all dogs like to wear clothing, and if yours is opposed, you shouldn't force the issue. Nevertheless, you can probably find an accessory that your dog will tolerate. A decorative collar or a sparkly bow that attaches to her harness can dress her up a little without making her uncomfortable.

Rehearse Your Dog's Role

Even if you are confident that your dog can handle the role you have given him, it still doesn't mean you can expect him to know what to do beforehand. You should prepare him by rehearsing his role at home, preferably with his handler, so that it becomes second nature for him.

You should bring your dog to the venue before the wedding day, and even before the wedding rehearsal. Give her a chance to sniff, explore, and become familiar with the place before the chaos of the wedding so she'll feel comfortable at the official rehearsal and on the day itself.

Inform Your Guests Beforehand

Some of your guests may be uncomfortable with the presence of a dog at the wedding because of allergies or phobias. While this shouldn't necessarily influence your decision to include your dog, it is only courteous to inform them beforehand so they can decide how to cope as they see fit. Include this information in the invitation, maybe by including a photo of your dog in his wedding outfit. A picture will draw your guest's attention to the notification while keeping it lighthearted and fun.

Decide About the Reception

While the ceremony itself is usually a sedate affair that shouldn't overstimulate your dog, the reception is another matter. With so many lights, noises, and people, it may be harder for you to keep control of the situation and ensure the safety of both your dog and your guests. Therefore, she might have to either skip the reception altogether or leave the party early. Decide as soon as possible so you can make the necessary arrangements.

Plan for Your Dog's Needs

Pack a kit for your dog containing anything he might need throughout the day, such as food, water, toys, treats, clean-up bags, etc. Put it in a backpack or shoulder bag so your handler can carry it hands-free.

Including your dog in your wedding requires planning beforehand, but don't forget that the pup may behave unexpectedly at any time. This element of uncertainty is part of the fun, so prepare to meet it with a sense of humor.